1. To stimulate the development of ocean models for research in climate and related fields.

2. To encourage investigations of the effects of model formulation on the results of ocean models, making use of sensitivity studies and intercomparisons.

3. To promote interaction amongst the ocean modelling community and between this and other communities through workshops and other activities.

4. To stimulate the validation of ocean models when used in stand alone mode and as part of a coupled ocean-atmosphere model, using oceanographic data and other methods, and to advise on the observational requirements of such studies.

5. To publicise developments in ocean models amongst the climate modelling community.

6. To collaborate with other activities in areas of overlapping responsibility.

7. To advise on ocean modelling and related issues and to report on its activities to the CLIVAR Scientific Steering Group and the CLIVAR co-chair of WGCM.